Some two hours by car from Cortijo las Rosas, Ronda retains much of its historic charm, particularly its old town. It is famous worldwide for its dramatic escarpments and views, and for the deep El Tajo gorge that carries the rio Guadalevín through its centre. Visitors make a beeline for the 18th century Puente Nuevo ‘new’ bridge, which straddles the 100m chasm below, for its unparalleled views out over the Serranía de Ronda mountains.
Ronda is also famous as the birthplace of modern bullfighting and has one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, built in 1785. There is a museum and visitors can stroll out into the arena.
The old town is a picturesque enclave of narrow alleys and white walled houses with ironwork balconies. There are various churches, one of which is the Colegiata, built between the 15th and 16th centuries on the site of a former mosque. The Palacio de Mandragon has a lovely Renaissance façade and has fantastic views over the ravine. There is also a small museum in the palace.
The Moorish Baths remind us that Ronda was once the capital of a taifa kingdom.
There is a lot to see in Ronda in a small area. You do not have to walk too far or spend more than a few hours to see most of what Ronda has to offer. There are also a selection of good restaurants, some with spectacular views out over the gorge, and shops with ceramics and other interesting souvenirs.